THE Mercedes-Benz GLA might be the entry level model to this German brand’s sports utility vehicle (SUV) range but it is not short on spunk and exciting driving with the right model variant.
With this upgraded model having been around since early 2024, the onslaught of new and interesting rival brands and models prompted an update strategy to keep interest in the GLA consistently high.
Thus, the GLA Nightfall Edition is introduced to provide fresh elements, albeit on a somewhat darker side, to highlight its sporty and distinctive profile.
The Night Package features the use of high gloss black accents to complement the AMG Line exterior and new sporty alloy wheels; 19-inch five twin-spoke units for the GLA 200 Nightfall Edition and 20-inch multi-spoke wheels for the GLA 250 Nightfall Edition.
The latest GLA 250 now comes with Multibeam light emitting diode (LED) system that features adaptive LED headlamps with “intelligent light modes, active light function, ultra range high beam and high beam assistant”.
Stepping inside the new GLA Nightfall Edition, the AMG Line interior is now standard feature along with a black fabric roof liner and multifunction sports steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather.
For upholstery, there is the combination of Artico man-made leather and Microcut microfibre in black with contrasting top stitching, sports seats with grey seat belts and light longitudinal grain aluminium trim.
Powerwise, the GLA 200 Nightfall Edition continues the 1.4-litre (1,332cc) engine with the output of 120kW (163hp) remaining constant since this power unit was introduced some 10 years ago.
It is in the torque output that is being progressively improved over the years and the Nightfall Edition has a higher value of 270Nm against the updated model introduced in 2024 that delivers 250Nm.
The bigger displacement GLA 250 Nightfall Edition sees similar output from the 2.0-litre engine (1,991cc) although the peak points vary a little; 165kW (224hp) from 5,500 to 6100rpm and the torque of 350Nm peaks later at 2,000rpm (previously 1,800rpm) but plateaus till the same engine rev of 4,000rpm.
The GLA 250 is now upgraded to be a mild hybrid with a rated output for the electric motor of 10kW and 150Nm.
The GLA 200 comes with a 7G-DCT or dual clutch automatic transmission while the GLA 250 continues with the 8G-DCT.
As expected, the new Nightfall Editions come at a higher price too; RM258,888 for the GLA 200 and RM295,888 for the GLA 250, on the road without insurance.
Cameron Highlands drive
To give the media a taste of the new GLA Nightfall Edition, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia organised its SUV Agility Drive to Cameron Highlands that also involved other SUV models in its line-up.
We were advised on the three routes heading to our final point in Tanah Rata, these being the Tapah, Simpang Pulai and Bentong-Raub alternatives.
Following a reminder on driving at legal speed limits, we set off in the GLA 200 Nightfall Edition, which was the first time we were driving in the 1.4-litre variant.
After two exhilarating drives last year in the AMG variants – A35 and A45 – we had to temper our expectations somewhat.
Both those AMG variants are pocket rockets in their respective way, charging to 100kph from rest in under five seconds.
Mercedes says the GLA 200 would cover that 0-100kph sprint in 8.9 seconds.
Moving along at the respective speed limits, the GLA 200 was right at home flowing with the traffic at easy engine speeds.
During the few times that we floored the accelerator to pass slower traffic, we didn’t quite get the kick-in-the-butt pick-up-and-go acceleration.
It was almost linear in initial acceleration, not quite the strong turbo charge one would normally expect.
But once the 1.4-litre engine was on song, you better watch your road speed because the GLA 200 would pick up the pace quick enough for you to fall foul of the speed cameras.
Taking to the winding stretches along the Simpang Pulai road, the GLA 200 displayed good handling dynamics taking to the various sweepers and corners with a confident stance with its well-tuned suspension package.
We also appreciated the seat squab extension for the front seats that gave us comfortable thigh support during the drive up.
The return drive was done in the GLE 400 e, the locally assembled plug-in hybrid variant that was introduced late last year, featuring the EQ Hybrid Technology AMG Line.
It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that delivers 185kW (252hp) and 400Nm of torque from 2,000 to 3,200rpm.
The power output of the electric motor is 115kW and 440Nm for a combined punch of 280kW (381hp) and 650Nm.
It has an electric range of 114km, a 9G-Tronic automatic transmission and 0-100kph acceleration time of 6.1 seconds.
Our initial expectation of an ungainly drive through the winding Tapah route was soon dispelled when we got down to tackling the “esses” with fair gusto.
The GLE 400 e might look dimensionally big, especially against the GLA 200, but it impressed with good dynamics through the twists and turns.
We hardly felt the body leaning any more than necessary and its good road traction with positive steering feedback allowed us to explore its handling limits a fair bit.
And for a vehicle weighing slightly more than 1,000kg over the GLA 200 (1,570kg), a kick on the accelerator brought the turbo to life, allowing us to enjoy some quick overtaking moves.
For the most part of the winding road drive, we were on electric mode and the frequent braking and deceleration led to good battery regeneration.
That allowed us to drive quite a distance on electric power along the highway before the engine took over as indicated by the flickering of the tachometer needle.
Well, that arrangement gave us the benefit of experiencing the entry-level model to the Mercedes SUV range here and the flagship model; a best of both world insight.
We might be more impressed with the GLE 400 e as an overall package but the GLA 200 wouldn’t be too far behind either in overall performance.
It’s a lot cheaper too when you consider that the GLE 400 e has a price of almost half a million at RM498,888 on the road without insurance.
